Towards motivation modelling within a computer game based learning environment: an empirical study

This thesis addresses the issue as to how to model a student’s motivation when using a learning environment. Currently, this is considered as an important topic since a) motivation is regarded as key to successful learning by educationalists, b) those building computer-based learning environments are attempting to design in features that will assist in motivating learners while using their systems, c) researchers in the areas of intelligent learning environments (ILEs) and intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) are looking for methods to detect a student’s motivation during their interaction with an adaptive system, and d) researchers in ITSs are looking for strategies that a learning environment could use to motivate a student or to scaffold his/her motivation. A well-founded model that partially explains the way in which motivation changes during an interaction with an ILE is potentially very valuable to these different goals. In particular, the model should prove to be of great benefit when creating learning environments that take into account the motivational aspects of the learners since it represents the process of how they are motivated through the use of an ILE. In this thesis the focus is on the construction of a learner’s motivational structure for an ILE grounded in the context of an educational game. The thesis reports the development of a qualitative model of the motivation of learners during their interaction with the ILE. One of the main issues is the specification of the context as the motivational structure of learners cannot be assumed to be the same in different contexts. A preliminary causal model showing the relationships between a learner’s motivational characteristics and features of the ILE was developed. Two computer-based research instruments were then built: a game prototype aiming to teach some concepts in databases (Alex’s Adventure) and a computer program (MoRes). Alex’s Adventure was developed in such a way that it included all features of the ILE presented in the model whereas the other parts of the model were implemented through MoRes. Six detailed case studies were performed in order to validate the preliminary model. The validation resulted in changes to the preliminary model which are believed to produce an improved model. The analysis also resulted in a number of key points and condition–action rules which are considered to be of use for the implementation of future adaptive computer systems that could manage and support learners. The thesis makes an original contribution to the Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) community, particularly in terms of the method of case study analysis and the new model of motivation

Drug-Drug Interaction Analysis of Pyronaridine/Artesunate and Ritonavir in Healthy Volunteers

A multiple dose, parallel group study was conducted to assess for a drug-drug interaction between the pyronaridine/artesunate (PA) combination antimalarial and ritonavir. Thirty-four healthy adults were randomized (1:1) to receive PA for 3 days or PA with ritonavir (100 mg twice daily for 17 days, PA administered on Days 8–10). Pharmacokinetic parameters for pyronaridine, artesunate, and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) were obtained after the last PA dose and for ritonavir on Days 1 and 10. Ritonavir coadministration did not markedly change pyronaridine pharmacokinetics but resulted in a 27% increase in artesunate area under the curve (AUC) and a 38% decrease in DHA AUC. Ritonavir exposure was increased 3.2-fold in the presence of PA. The only relevant safety observations were increases in liver enzymes, only reaching a clinically significant grade in the PA + ritonavir arm. It was concluded that coadministered ritonavir and PA interact to alter exposure to artesunate, DHA, and ritonavir itself

Pharmacokinetic Outcomes of the Interactions of Antiretroviral Agents with Food and Supplements: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Because pharmacokinetic changes in antiretroviral drugs (ARV), due to their concurrent administration with food or nutritional products, have become a clinical challenge, it is necessary to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of ARV in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to clarify the pharmacokinetic outcomes of the interaction between supplements such as food, dietary supplements, and nutrients, and ARV. Twenty-four articles in both healthy subjects and PLWH were included in the qualitative analysis, of which five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Food–drug coadministration significantly increased the time to reach maximum concentration (tmax) (p max) of ARV, such as darunavir, under fed conditions was observed. Area under the curve and terminal half-life were not significantly affected. Evaluating the pharmacokinetic aspects, it is vital to clinically investigate ARV and particular supplement interaction in PLWH. Educating patients about any potential interactions would be one of the effective recommendations during this HIV epidemic

Nutritional Support with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Burn Patients: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: In burn patients, the profound effect of nutritional support on improved wound healing and a reduced rate of hospitalization and mortality has been documented. Fish oil as a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids in nutritional support may attenuate the inflammatory response and enhance immune function; however, unclear effects on the improvement of clinical outcomes in burn patients remain. Methods: The systematic literature review was conducted by searching the electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus to assess the randomized controlled trials of nutritional support with omega-3 fatty acids compared to control diets in patients that presented with burns from any causes. Results: Seven trials were included in this meta-analysis. We found no significant differences in length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.59), mortality (p = 0.86), ventilation days (p = 0.16), gastrointestinal complications—e.g., constipation and diarrhea (p = 0.73)—or infectious complications—e.g., pneumonia and sepsis (p = 0.22)—between the omega-3-fatty-acid-receiving group and the control/other diets group. Conclusions: We did not find a benefit of omega-3 support in reducing the various complications, mortality and LOS in burn patients. Further studies are necessary to find the effect of nutritional support with omega-3 fatty acids over low-fat diets in this population